Vistage creates a trusted, collaborative environment where high-caliber executives come together to overcome challenges, ignite innovative solutions, and sharpen their leadership skills. This vibrant community is dedicated to driving business growth and empowering its members to achieve extraordinary personal and professional success.
Through Vistage’s peer advisory model, leaders gain access to a confidential, collaborative space to address challenges, find solutions, and enhance their business acumen. By bringing together a select group of 12 leaders from diverse, non-competing industries, Vistage ensures a wealth of perspectives and insights.
Vistage ensures a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights.
At the helm of one such group is John Nolan, a distinguished business leader with extensive experience at the highest levels of corporate leadership. Reflecting on his journey, John shares, “My career began at PwC Dublin before I ventured to the Middle East in 2001, where I joined Almarai, the largest FMCG food company in the region. It was an incredible experience that spanned six years. I then moved to Dubai and joined one of the largest companies in the Emirates Group. Starting as Group CFO, I rose to become the Group MD, marking another significant chapter in my career.
“Returning to Ireland after leaving the company, I quickly realized how much I missed the fast-paced, dynamic environment of the Middle East. The excitement of working in large, successful organizations within a rapidly growing, emerging market economy had become a core part of my professional identity. This pull of the Middle East, with its abundant opportunities and vibrant lifestyle, led me back to the region, where I took on a leadership role in a prominent Saudi Arabian business and immediately felt at home again.
“I’ve always thrived in team settings, bringing out the best in others.”
“After three and a half years, I came out of the COVID era looking for new challenges. Having served as a Group CEO for over a decade, I sought a new direction and decided to become a partner in an SME in Dubai, which gave me the freedom to explore coaching, mentoring, and advisory work. With a wealth of experience to share, I felt a strong desire to give back, and that’s when I discovered Vistage. It was a perfect match, as I’ve always thrived in team settings, bringing out the best in others.”
“I look for those with ambitions, even if they’re unsure how to achieve them.”
Achieve More Through Peer Connections
John’s career has been defined by his ability to inspire colleagues to excel. He saw Vistage as an opportunity to embark on a fulfilling journey, dedicated to helping leaders elevate their leadership skills. “I joined Vistage as a member and took up the Chair role because I thrive in collaborative environments,” John explains. “When selecting members for my group, I seek leaders with a growth mindset, eager to contribute as much as they gain from Vistage. They should be team players, excellent communicators, and driven to become the best versions of themselves. I look for those with ambitions, even if they’re unsure how to achieve them.”
Each member of John’s group represents a different industry, creating a diverse mix of perspectives. “Beyond industry diversity, I aim for a rich blend of nationalities, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural business landscape. I also include a range of age groups—some younger, some older—which enriches our discussions, as different generations bring unique perspectives to the table.
Vistage extends an invitation to CEOs and business executives eager to elevate their leadership journey.
Empower Growth Through Shared Insight and Leadership
Vistage invites CEOs and business executives who are eager to elevate their leadership journey. Membership in Vistage offers access to a global network of seasoned leaders and a wealth of resources essential for success in today’s competitive landscape.
John Nolan shares, “For those considering membership, I’d recommend starting with LinkedIn. Many people join Vistage because of the Chair, so it’s important to know who the Chair is. Take a look at my profile and see if my experience aligns with your aspirations. If it resonates, don’t hesitate to reach out, and let’s start with a brief 15-minute video chat. If you like what you hear, we can follow that up with a longer video call, or even better, a face-to-face catch-up over coffee, where I can provide a detailed information exchange about everything Vistage has to offer.”
By exchanging experiences and insights within a supportive and confidential setting, leaders can enhance their decision-making abilities, overcome feelings of isolation, and achieve personal and professional success more efficiently than if they were pursuing their goals alone. In essence, Vistage encourages you to tap into shared knowledge and elevate your leadership skills to unprecedented heights.